DIY: iDrive Cupholder Retrofit!

jayparry · 01-12-2009, 02:14 AM

Tools Needed:

T20 Torx
10 mm socket wrench
Drill with a small/large bit
Sawzall or Jigsaw
2 small/skinny/short screws and screwdriver

First, you will need to source these three part numbers, which i determined from RealOEM using the diagram above.

5116914463x (cover, $19, last number 2,3,4 for black, grey, taupe)
51169122655 ('can' holder itself $28)
51169122656 (cupholder support, $7)

I was able to get all three parts at the prices listed from Dan at United, totaling about $54, tho he did say 'I will sell this to you but you will probably have to drill your console!'

That you do! First, follow this great DIY for console removal.

**Note that I would disagree with his 'pry position' for the back of the armrest... if you just grab it by the 'hips' (sitting in the back seat grab the left and right sides at the base and pull) it would come off easier than prying.**

I poked and prodded and measured but found the cutout you need to do is actually pretty apparent... flip over the console itself and you will see on the passengers side by the shifter there is an area with no plastic ribbing. This rectangular area formed from the 'peak' of the console to the slight crease line in the plastic:

Before drilling, remove the silver bracket on the passenger side. I drilled about a million holes but the way i think it would work best for future 1ers is to drill 4 holes from underneath (maybe a starter hole with a small bit then a large bit so you can fit your saw blade in):

Use a sawzall or jigsaw to 'connect the dots' cutting between your drill holes. The plastic will cut easily, just use a steady hand. Saw with the console face up and cover it with a towel so as not to scuff.

Yeah that looks pretty ragged...but it really doesnt matter, because the nice thing is the plastic cover is so big you wont see any of the cuts anyway. (if you do screw it up bad I looked it up and a new center console is $106 and you can try it again!)

You are going to have to source a few screws since they aren't included (make sure they aren't too long). If you take the trim piece to Home Depot im sure you could find them but I just found some in a box of leftover Ikea parts. If its not obvious, insert the black 'cupholder support' from the bottom of the console and the trim piece on top and screw together tightly.

Replace the silver metal bracket by putting the screw through the cupholder support bracket as well. Test the fitment of the 'can holder' itself, as its best to test it before you have to put it back together. Keep in mind the cupholder support will gain rigidity when you replace the console.

Replace the console by reversing your steps and you will be able to insert the 'can' holder into the dash! First off, i think its a cool looking piece. Second, i think its way more ergonomic to have a cupholder that falls easily to hand instead of awkwardly close and blocking the shifter. Finally, with 3 cupholders you can hold a back passengers drink and not have to raise the armrest when there are two of you... its practical, ergonomic, cool, and looks OEM. Feel free to PM, email, post questions or suggestions!

SF_VR6 · 01-12-2009, 09:19 PM

great right up!

Lester · 01-13-2009, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SF_135i

great right up!

Write, right?

SF_VR6 · 01-13-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lester

Write, right?

thats what I ment to say.

bman6074 · 01-13-2009, 10:12 AM

Great write up. Can you figure out how to retorfit the side mirror dip when you back up??

jayparry · 01-13-2009, 12:43 PM

That would be awesome... i would love that side mirror thing, but i dunno if we have the memory chip that would move the mirror back to where it was... thats tied into the power seat memory system which is also tied into the keyfob memory system... sounds tricky

jayparry · 01-13-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SF_135i

great right up!

Dont make fun of Duc he is all kindsa jet lagged!

bman6074 · 01-13-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayparry

That would be awesome... i would love that side mirror thing, but i dunno if we have the memory chip that would move the mirror back to where it was... thats tied into the power seat memory system which is also tied into the keyfob memory system... sounds tricky

Mmm i would think the connetion into the seat and the keyfob is just the "brain" prgram remembering what key you use then sets all your settings.
I saw a skematic that shows how things are connected and it looked liek it might be possibel with the right RFM modules.
heres the skemaitc. Post is toward the bottom.
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...t=19859&page=2
It appears the mirror dip is connected to teh back up light. So when you put the car in reverse the lights trigger the RFM module to dip the side mirror. I am just not sure what you woudl need to make it come back to its origianl state.
But definitly appears to be possible.

HighQ · 01-15-2009, 08:23 PM

Very cool mod!

panama120 · 04-23-2009, 02:17 PM

what happen with the pics ????

wmo168 · 06-12-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panama120

what happen with the pics ????

\Please fix the pic!

woodman650 · 06-17-2009, 09:08 AM

pix please

jayparry · 06-22-2009, 11:25 AM

Pix fixed! Forgot i still had those on my sever!

Ganicki · 07-02-2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayparry

Pix fixed! Forgot i still had those on my sever!

not yet-- can't see them

nato-main-man-5am · 07-17-2013, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayparry

Pix fixed! Forgot i still had those on my sever!

Very nice of you to post this tutorial.

The linked pix are still not showing up, but I'm not really complaining.

If you want to avoid issues in the future, you might just want to upload the pix as attachments in the first post, as well. That way, if your server or external hosting ever goes down or moves, the pix are still accessible, here.

Ganicki · 07-17-2013, 11:18 AM

I really like the side cupholder, my wife has a new X1 with it --I was jealous so she bought me the install kit, along with alcantara shift and brake boot-- can do all those at once-- I'll take pics and post after I get it complete.

JimD · 07-17-2013, 02:26 PM

I would look for the DIY for changing the ash tray to a tray by Andy M. I think it has the console pull. You have to unsnap the trim around the shift, unscrew the screws under the trim, pull a screw in the middle on the passenger side (under a small cover), remove the accessory outlet and aux port and USB port wiring (if you have it) and pull the shift knob. The shift knob is the worst. You have to pull HARD up. The handbrake cover unclips and is held on by a tie wrap in the back. Another screw under the handbrake cover. There is also a push pin in the front in the footwell area on each side.

Jim

nato-main-man-5am · 07-17-2013, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ganicki

I really like the side cupholder, my wife has a new X1 with it --I was jealous so she bought me the install kit, along with alcantara shift and brake boot-- can do all those at once-- I'll take pics and post after I get it complete.

Awesome. Looking forward to seeing it and learning how to do it.

nato-main-man-5am · 08-03-2013, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ganicki

I really like the side cupholder, my wife has a new X1 with it --I was jealous so she bought me the install kit, along with alcantara shift and brake boot-- can do all those at once-- I'll take pics and post after I get it complete.

Does it make sense to wait and do them all at once?

Ganicki · 08-03-2013, 04:26 PM

have to remove the shift and brake boots to remove the center console so I can cut and install the cupholder--so yes.

128GP · 09-01-2013, 09:05 AM

Does someone know where there is a write up with pics? I have had my 1 for 60 days, and cant do it anymore with my coffee mug in the middle while i shift. Please help. Thanks

Ganicki · 09-01-2013, 10:14 AM

I'm gonna do mine as soon as it cools down a little. Don't want to be stuck in the car while its 95 and 85% humidity. Will take pics. May not be for a week or 2 though. The toughest portion is removing the center console. There's a great write up from andym on how to do this. The kit I have has a template for exactly cutting the hole for the holder.

01-12-2009, 02:14 AM	#1
jayparry BMW Performanceer 29 Rep 370 Posts Drives: BSM '09 135i 'tii' Dinan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i 'Tii' [7.00]	DIY: iDrive Cupholder Retrofit! Tools Needed: T20 Torx 10 mm socket wrench Drill with a small/large bit Sawzall or Jigsaw 2 small/skinny/short screws and screwdriver First, you will need to source these three part numbers, which i determined from RealOEM using the diagram above. 5116914463x (cover, $19, last number 2,3,4 for black, grey, taupe) 51169122655 ('can' holder itself $28) 51169122656 (cupholder support, $7) I was able to get all three parts at the prices listed from Dan at United, totaling about $54, tho he did say 'I will sell this to you but you will probably have to drill your console!' That you do! First, follow this great DIY for console removal. Note that I would disagree with his 'pry position' for the back of the armrest... if you just grab it by the 'hips' (sitting in the back seat grab the left and right sides at the base and pull) it would come off easier than prying. I poked and prodded and measured but found the cutout you need to do is actually pretty apparent... flip over the console itself and you will see on the passengers side by the shifter there is an area with no plastic ribbing. This rectangular area formed from the 'peak' of the console to the slight crease line in the plastic: Before drilling, remove the silver bracket on the passenger side. I drilled about a million holes but the way i think it would work best for future 1ers is to drill 4 holes from underneath (maybe a starter hole with a small bit then a large bit so you can fit your saw blade in): Use a sawzall or jigsaw to 'connect the dots' cutting between your drill holes. The plastic will cut easily, just use a steady hand. Saw with the console face up and cover it with a towel so as not to scuff. Yeah that looks pretty ragged...but it really doesnt matter, because the nice thing is the plastic cover is so big you wont see any of the cuts anyway. (if you do screw it up bad I looked it up and a new center console is $106 and you can try it again!) You are going to have to source a few screws since they aren't included (make sure they aren't too long). If you take the trim piece to Home Depot im sure you could find them but I just found some in a box of leftover Ikea parts. If its not obvious, insert the black 'cupholder support' from the bottom of the console and the trim piece on top and screw together tightly. Replace the silver metal bracket by putting the screw through the cupholder support bracket as well. Test the fitment of the 'can holder' itself, as its best to test it before you have to put it back together. Keep in mind the cupholder support will gain rigidity when you replace the console. Replace the console by reversing your steps and you will be able to insert the 'can' holder into the dash! First off, i think its a cool looking piece. Second, i think its way more ergonomic to have a cupholder that falls easily to hand instead of awkwardly close and blocking the shifter. Finally, with 3 cupholders you can hold a back passengers drink and not have to raise the armrest when there are two of you... its practical, ergonomic, cool, and looks OEM. Feel free to PM, email, post questions or suggestions! __________________ 2009 BMW 135i - Premium, Sport, Cold, Comfort, Nav, Active Steering, Premium Sound, iPod/Smartphone BMW Performance - Carbon Fiber trim, Suspension, Front Rotors, Rear Valence, Spoiler, Steering Wheel, Gearshift, Handbrake, Dead Pedal Dinan - stage 2 Engine Program, Intake, Exhaust, Short Shifter and Pedals.
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01-12-2009, 09:19 PM	#2
SF_VR6 Lieutenant 125 Rep 404 Posts Drives: 16' X5 M-Sport / Space Gray Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [0.00]	great right up!
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01-13-2009, 10:12 AM	#5
bman6074 Major 103 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 14 M235i and 07 Lotus Exige S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Great write up. Can you figure out how to retorfit the side mirror dip when you back up?? __________________
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01-13-2009, 12:43 PM	#6
jayparry BMW Performanceer 29 Rep 370 Posts Drives: BSM '09 135i 'tii' Dinan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i 'Tii' [7.00]	That would be awesome... i would love that side mirror thing, but i dunno if we have the memory chip that would move the mirror back to where it was... thats tied into the power seat memory system which is also tied into the keyfob memory system... sounds tricky __________________ 2009 BMW 135i - Premium, Sport, Cold, Comfort, Nav, Active Steering, Premium Sound, iPod/Smartphone BMW Performance - Carbon Fiber trim, Suspension, Front Rotors, Rear Valence, Spoiler, Steering Wheel, Gearshift, Handbrake, Dead Pedal Dinan - stage 2 Engine Program, Intake, Exhaust, Short Shifter and Pedals.
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01-15-2009, 08:23 PM	#9
HighQ Quality is everything 12 Rep 756 Posts Drives: you mad Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Very cool mod!
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04-23-2009, 02:17 PM	#10
panama120 New Member 3 Rep 13 Posts Drives: E87 120i Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	what happen with the pics ????
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06-17-2009, 09:08 AM	#12
woodman650 Super Couper 67 Rep 577 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (2)	pix please
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06-22-2009, 11:25 AM	#13
jayparry BMW Performanceer 29 Rep 370 Posts Drives: BSM '09 135i 'tii' Dinan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i 'Tii' [7.00]	Pix fixed! Forgot i still had those on my sever! __________________ 2009 BMW 135i - Premium, Sport, Cold, Comfort, Nav, Active Steering, Premium Sound, iPod/Smartphone BMW Performance - Carbon Fiber trim, Suspension, Front Rotors, Rear Valence, Spoiler, Steering Wheel, Gearshift, Handbrake, Dead Pedal Dinan - stage 2 Engine Program, Intake, Exhaust, Short Shifter and Pedals.
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07-17-2013, 11:18 AM	#16
Ganicki Private First Class 20 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2013 Location: Louisville, KY iTrader: (0)	I really like the side cupholder, my wife has a new X1 with it --I was jealous so she bought me the install kit, along with alcantara shift and brake boot-- can do all those at once-- I'll take pics and post after I get it complete. __________________ Ganicki 2008 135i • 2011 328xi
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07-17-2013, 02:26 PM	#17
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	I would look for the DIY for changing the ash tray to a tray by Andy M. I think it has the console pull. You have to unsnap the trim around the shift, unscrew the screws under the trim, pull a screw in the middle on the passenger side (under a small cover), remove the accessory outlet and aux port and USB port wiring (if you have it) and pull the shift knob. The shift knob is the worst. You have to pull HARD up. The handbrake cover unclips and is held on by a tie wrap in the back. Another screw under the handbrake cover. There is also a push pin in the front in the footwell area on each side. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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08-03-2013, 04:26 PM	#20
Ganicki Private First Class 20 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2013 Location: Louisville, KY iTrader: (0)	have to remove the shift and brake boots to remove the center console so I can cut and install the cupholder--so yes. __________________ Ganicki 2008 135i • 2011 328xi
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09-01-2013, 09:05 AM	#21
128GP First Lieutenant 40 Rep 323 Posts Drives: AW 328i 6sp RWD M Sport Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Does someone know where there is a write up with pics? I have had my 1 for 60 days, and cant do it anymore with my coffee mug in the middle while i shift. Please help. Thanks
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09-01-2013, 10:14 AM	#22
Ganicki Private First Class 20 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2013 Location: Louisville, KY iTrader: (0)	I'm gonna do mine as soon as it cools down a little. Don't want to be stuck in the car while its 95 and 85% humidity. Will take pics. May not be for a week or 2 though. The toughest portion is removing the center console. There's a great write up from andym on how to do this. The kit I have has a template for exactly cutting the hole for the holder.
	Appreciate 0 Quote